Rock and Bandits Renew Rivalry

Six Nations – Wednesday night, the Toronto Rock trailed the Buffalo Bandits 5-4 in an exhibition scrimmage when the game was cut short following a bench-clearing brawl in the third quarter.

There were several fights throughout the exhibition contest between the two East Division rivals. Tempers flared and the benches cleared with 5:02 left in the third quarter. As a result, the officials called the game with the Bandits leading by a goal.

The hundreds of fans in attendance at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena (ILA) in Six Nations witnessed the Bandits never fall behind in the game, forcing the Rock to play catch up all evening long.

All three Rock goaltenders still in camp saw game action. Gee Nash played the opening 15 minutes surrendering 2 goals. Pat Campbell started the second quarter but ended up in a fight just over 9 minutes into the frame. With Campbell having to serve his penalties, Nash replaced him in the Rock net for the remainder of the first half giving up 1 goal.

Overall, Nash stopped 6 of the 9 shots he faced in 21 minutes of work, while Campbell stopped 5 of 7 shots in 9 minutes of play.

Bob Watson played just under 10 minutes in the third quarter and did not face a single shot.

Geoff McNulty scored a pair of goals for Toronto leading the way offensively. Mat MacLeod and Garrett Billings each chipped in singles.

Next up, the Rock will host another exhibition scrimmage on Sunday at 1pm against the Minnesota Swarm at the ILA. Once again, there is no charge for admission.

The Rock will open up their 2011 season at home on Saturday, January 8 against the Edmonton Rush at Air Canada Centre at 7pm.